A new wave of positive change is sweeping through Nigeria as thousands of young people commit to principles of ethical leadership through an inspiring educational initiative. The Ethical Living Project, spearheaded by the Africa Capital Alliance Foundation in collaboration with Enactus Nigeria, has impacted over 2,000 students across 20 public secondary schools in Lagos State.
The second edition of the project concluded with an exciting finale that featured a competitive essay contest. Leading the winners was Samuel Opadotun from Ebute Elefun Senior High School, followed by Ruben Oshisanya of Baptist Academy and Anuoluwapo Akeni from Jagunmolu Girls’ Senior Grammar School, who claimed second and third places respectively.
Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Chairman of Africa Capital Alliance Group, described the project as more than just a contest. “This initiative represents a call to embrace ethical behavior in our daily lives. It urges us to embody the values we advocate for, set the standard, and lead with integrity in a world in need of principled leadership,” he stated.
Michael Ajayi, Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, emphasized the organization’s mission to foster leadership, entrepreneurship, and skill development among young individuals. He explained that their work, typically focused on university students, had been successfully adapted for secondary school learners through this collaboration.
Ajayi noted, “To truly reshape Nigeria’s future, we must engage a broad spectrum of youth. Building a large community of ethically grounded young leaders is essential to creating meaningful national transformation.”
The initiative’s influence extends beyond academic circles. ACA Foundation Board member Mrs. Uwa Osa-Oboh stressed the importance of early intervention, remarking that these positive engagements could steer students away from destructive paths. “These lessons could be the defining factor in a young person choosing a path of purpose instead of violence or cultism,” she said.
The students who emerged victorious in the essay contest shared heartfelt reactions. First-place winner Samuel Opadotun beamed with pride, saying, “It feels amazing to make my parents proud.” Ruben Oshisanya, who came second, described his feelings as complex but joyful, while third-place winner Anuoluwapo Akeni was ecstatic: “I’m so happy! I’ve always wanted a laptop, and now I finally have one.”
With plans to expand the Ethical Living Project nationwide, the Africa Capital Alliance Foundation aims to impact up to one million students. As the program scales up, it’s clear that it is planting the seeds of ethical leadership and responsible citizenship among Nigeria’s next generation.
